need non-gaming MB

[pinecone]

Want to build a new system for internet surfing and general business applications (no gaming). Don't need integrated video, LAN or Raid features, but do need cheap sound.

Was thinking KT333 as I've never had problems with VIA. However, I noticed the prices for the KT400 and NForce are just a few dollars more. Which would be the best for me (and why)? If I go Nforce or KT333 would I need to go faster than PC2700 DDR? Thanks.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: pinecone
Want to build a new system for internet surfing and general business applications (no gaming). Don't need integrated video, LAN or Raid features, but do need cheap sound.

Was thinking KT333 as I've never had problems with VIA. However, I noticed the prices for the KT400 and NForce are just a few dollars more. Which would be the best for me (and why)? If I go Nforce or KT333 would I need to go faster than PC2700 DDR? Thanks.

There's really no such thing as a non-gaming board, though people will say don't get a board with integrated video if you're a gamer b/c of the currently poor solutions available.

If you haven't had a problem with Via, there's no need to look any further than the KT333, or even a good KT266A board for your needs. Any of the chipsets you mentioned will support even PC1600 (100mhz) all the way to the fastest available. If you have PC2700, it'll run nicely in either the Nforce or KT333 boards at 166mhz FSB as long as you have an unlocked CPU that will allow you to drop the multiplier.

Chiz

 

[Peter]

Well for all the non-gaming computing tasks, you can aim WAY lower, and use a board with integrated everything, even with non-upgradeable CPU ... like ECS K7SEM and K7SOM. That's plenty of computing power for everything that isn't realtime 3D rendering or another kind of number crunching.

 

[pinecone]

By "non-gaming" I meant no heavy graphics or number crunching. Also, no initial plans to OC but would like the option. I just need to replace my KT133 machine since it's going somewhere else.

I've got a video card or all I really need is on-board half-decent sound. The ECS using boards kinda scare me because of the reported problems but the current Fry's deals make me want to check them out. Could use my PC133. Problem is that for a few bucks more I can get a board with some upgrade potential and more stability (i.e. Epox, MSI, Soyo).

I'm not out to spend anymore than necessary but hate to buy into the past.

 

[Peter]

Stability is not a function of the mainboard as an isolated item. You need to have tried and tested RAM (www.memtest86.com - you wouldn't believe how much actually non-working RAM is on shop shelves these days), and an adequate power supply unit. The latter is a lot easier to achieve with an all-in-one, since these inherently draw a lot less power than speedier systems.

 

[chizow]

Go with your initial thoughts of spending a little more up front on a more reputable board. The time spent getting your board up and running alone will pay the difference in cost over a "budget" solution. Don't bother with ECS unless you want this thread to look like this.

The integrated audio on the the KT333 and especially the Nforce and Nforce 2 is far superior as well. If you are looking to salvage that PC133, there are alternatives out there such as the MSI, Shuttle, and Asrock boards that support both SDR and DDR ram. The MSI and Shuttle are around the same price as the K7S5A, the Asrock (made by a sub. of Asus) costs a bit more, but has more advanced onboard features (such as USB 2.0).

If you want the overhead to OC, then the K7S5A definitely isn't for you. It will however, give you the opportunity to underclock, and does all this without even bothering to ask. If you hate buying into the past, then its in your best interest to spend a little more now instead of second-guessing your purchase a week from now.

Chiz

 

[pinecone]

Chizow,

We are thinking alike! I know I can get a ECS board up and running and it will do everything I need, but, I'm willing to spend more to avoid the stability issues and not have to buy a new board/memory next year when the next generation of AMD cpu's hit.

As far as the PC133, it can stay with my KT133 and I can buy DDR. It's good Crucial CAS 2.5 and I would feel OK using it with any board, but on the other hand if I use it on a new mb I'll have to replace it for the KT133. Why buy SDRAM when a few bucks more will get you DDR.

I'm looking at +$30 to go the KT400 or NForce over KT333. Now if I can just decide which?

 

[Peter]

Thanks chizow, I just won a bet. You're predictable, boring, and ridiculously inaccurate as usual. I spare the details unless pinecone really wants to learn something. (Just one thing, it's chizow who's seeding useful threads with FUD to make them look like they are.)

 

[chizow]

The KT400 doesn't offer a whole lot more over the KT333 in terms of performance. It has some nice features such as PCI locking and the ability to unlock all the multipliers (high and low) on the newer T-breds which cater to the OCing crowd. The Nforce2 offers these same features, but also has superior sound, integrated LAN and firewire with the MCP-T southbridge boards. In terms of actual performance, the KT400 performs on par with the KT333; The Nforce2 outperforms both marginally (more apparent in some apps than others). Don't confuse the Nforce 1 with the 2, the first Nforce is a solid performer, but is on par with the KT266A boards, the Nforce2 is widely accepted as the best performing Athlon chipset available. You should be able to find the Epox 8RDA+ at a price point comparable to any KT400 board, and you won't be paying for too much extra add-ons (but will get 5.1 Dolby Digital sound).

Chiz

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Peter
Thanks chizow, I just won a bet. You're predictable, boring, and ridiculously inaccurate as usual. I spare the details unless pinecone really wants to learn something. (Just one thing, it's chizow who's seeding useful threads with FUD to make them look like they are.)

LoL, predictable, boring, inaccurate? You've already covered your 3 pieces of advice in EVERY single motherboard thread you've ever posted in (which is the majority of your posts) 1) Change your PSU, 2) Change your RAM, 3) Run memtest86 for 2 days.

*yawn*

As for FUD, is it really FearUncertaintyDoubt when there is a good chance it becomes reality? I think the FUD lies in the prospect of trying to get an ECS board that ACTUALLY WORKS without having to replace every component you had hoped to salvage.

Not only did you offer solutions that he already said he had reservations about, you offered solutions that he explicitly said he did not need. I knew as soon as you posted, the next post would have three letters in it E-C-S. How predictable, how boring....lol.

Chiz

 

[pinecone]

Peter,

FUD is not an issue here with me. I've been around a while and can separate the difference. Just looking for facts.

The price of the K7S5A/2000+ at Fry's makes it attractive, and if money were an issue, I'd use it and my SDRAM in a minute. I have a good Antec PS/ Crucial SDRAM and I'm sure it would work!

BUT, i've followed these boards long enough to know there are issues out there with them. None that can't be fixed. However, I can spend a few bucks more and get a board I am more confident in, will allow me to OC if I want, and probably use the next generation AMD cpu. The NForce 2 looks like it may be that solution.

Again, I don't want to get between you two guys, I'm just looking for straight info and I appreciate your input. Hey, might end up with a K7S5A!

 

[mechBgon]

If you hadn't just said "next generation" then the Asus A7N266-VM would be my #1 recommendation for "daily-driver" usage. I've been hatching these all (last) year, running Windows2000, and they are wonderfully stable (note the very NON-skimpy power supply and Crucial RAM). Yes, they happen to have onboard video, but you can use the AGP Pro slot if you prefer. Not the ultimate in expandability or cutting-edge features like Firewire or USB 2.0, however, and the max CPU would be an AthlonXP 2600+ that has the 266MHz bus, no 333 support. I was impressed enough to pick one up for myself... to replace my A7V333-RAID! :Q Incidentally, the A7N266-VM comes with both optical and RCA S/PDIF-out, and has the same Soundstorm capabilities as the Soundstorm-equipped nForce2's.

For next-gen CPU support, more features and no onboard video, it looks like the EPoX 8RDA+ is working out well for people. There's supposed to be an 8RDA2+ coming... maybe with S/PDIF and Bluetooth? Pure speculation on my part there... 8RGA+ with built-in dual-monitor capabilities looks interesting too

 

[natopotato]

there is one board that immediately comes to mind for me. Biostar M7VIG. SDRAM and DDR slots(2 each). km266chipset(kt266a mem controler), onboard sound(good but not great), onboard LAN, AGP slot, 3 PCI slots. ROCK SOLID.

 

[Peter]

Originally posted by: pinecone
Peter,

FUD is not an issue here with me. I've been around a while and can separate the difference. Just looking for facts.

The price of the K7S5A/2000+ at Fry's makes it attractive, and if money were an issue, I'd use it and my SDRAM in a minute. I have a good Antec PS/ Crucial SDRAM and I'm sure it would work!

BUT, i've followed these boards long enough to know there are issues out there with them. None that can't be fixed. However, I can spend a few bucks more and get a board I am more confident in, will allow me to OC if I want, and probably use the next generation AMD cpu. The NForce 2 looks like it may be that solution.

Again, I don't want to get between you two guys, I'm just looking for straight info and I appreciate your input. Hey, might end up with a K7S5A!

Good then Anyway, you definitely want to have onboard LAN in there too ... broadband internet being on everyone's wish list sooner or later, that's a pretty safe bet to invest an extra $3 in. nForce(2) LAN has been reported to be tediously slow sometimes, although this might well have been a driver issue that has been resolved meanwhile.